Technology to induce a state of deep hibernation in human beings was developed early in the course of Imperial history, having been a practical necessity for the long, slow journeys of economical spacecraft.
Safety
As practised by modern space travellers, hibernation is safe and effective, with a low rate of complications and side effects. (The chance of a serious hibernation complication is less than one per million inductions, comparable to a flu shot.) Statistically speaking, hibernating crewmembers are also safer than the awake minimal crew on long voyages. The awake crew includes one or more hibernation medical technician who checks up on each hibernating person daily for the duration of the voyage, assisted by medical telemetry. Pre-hibernation physical exams are conducted to qualify crewmembers for hibernation, and are the most important aspect of a hibernation safety protocol.
Long Term Biological Effects
Hibernation has long-term biological effects, some of which may be considered desirable. For example, the process of ageing is markedly reduced during hibernation.